Customer Profile

Big Creek Construction Ltd. of Lorena, a customer of the Brazos River Authority since 2012, has already developed a strong reputation for contracting work over its 20-year history. But the spotlight got a little brighter in late 2017, as Big Creek was named one of the Texas Workforce Solutions finalists for Small Employer of the Year.

The company was formed in 1997 when John Miller and his son Wade purchased a small construction company with 35 employees, 15 pieces of equipment and four highway projects. In just its first year, Big Creek earned $7 million in contracts. Today, the company has more than 400 employees, including 20 road crews. Joining John and Wade Miller in ownership of Big Creek are Mark Miller, Shannon Parsons and Chris Wolfe.

Big Creek’s relationship with the BRA helps the company reach its goals.

“While we try to use the existing surface water for our operation and recycle as much as we can, we still need some additional water (from the BRA) to run our plants,” Stone said. “The sand and gravel plant has allowed us to expand our asphalt as well as ready mix operations in the area. Having reliable material sources is key to running a highway construction company.”

What has allowed Big Creek to be so successful?

“In the construction business, like most businesses, you have to have good people that you can delegate and rely on to do their job,” said Carol Stone, risk manager for the company. “We have always tried to get good supervisors, pay our employees well and expect them to do their job. We have been able to give them the equipment and other resources to get the job done.”

“I watched the company grow and expand for many years, and seven years ago I was fortunate enough to be hired by Big Creek,” Stone said. “It has been a pleasure to work for the Big Creek owners; they are ethical people and always put their employees first and provide them with the equipment and tools necessary to perform their jobs.”

Major projects Big Creek is involved with include work on Loop 340 in Robinson, which is nearing completion, and involves building the bridge over Old Robinson Road.

“We have several jobs involving asphalt paving on (Interstate) 45 in the Corsicana area and a large job in Buffalo,” Stone said. “We have jobs all around the west and east central part of Texas. We are expanding our ready mix operations and always looking for new business and customers and always looking for motivated employees.”